by Sam Amick, USA TODAY Sports

by Sam Amick, USA TODAY Sports

The Golden State Warriors have reached an agreement with center Andrew Bogut on a three-year, $36 million extension, a person with knowledge of the situation told USA TODAY Sports.

The deal can grow to approximately $42 million with incentives that can be reached if Bogut plays at least 65 games in each individual season and plays well enough defensively that he receives accolades for his work on that end of the floor (e.g. All-Star appearances, all-defensive teams or defensive player of the year awards).

The person spoke on the condition of anonymity because financial terms of the deal are not released.

While Bogut was set to be a free agent this summer, he had made it clear that he wanted to stay with the Warriors and they came to terms on a mutually beneficial deal.

Bogut could have signed a four-year deal if he had waited until this summer, but his affinity for this Warriors group coupled with the fact that he could secure his contractual future now was clearly appealing - especially in light of his health history. He has played a combined 42 games the last two seasons after injuries to his elbow, wrist, and ankle that temporarily suspended his status as one of the best big men in the game.

The Warriors, meanwhile, missed on their chance to land free agent Dwight Howard in July and needed Bogut to continue the momentum that came with their playoff run that he was such a pivotal part of last season.

Bogut, who was the No. 1 overall pick in the 2005 NBA draft, averaged 5.8 points and 7.7 rebounds per game in the regular season for the Warriors last season. In 12 postseason games, he upped his contributions to 7.2 points per game and 10.9 rebounds per game.